Device for holding disk-shaped storage elements

ABSTRACT

The device serves to hold disk-shaped storage elements and comprises a bottom shell and a top shell swingably connected to the bottom shell. The storage element is fixed on an insert part within a receptacle area. The spring element is arranged in the area of an outer edge of the receptacle area. Further, at a distance from the spring element along another portion of the outer edge of the receptacle area, at least one opposing element is so arranged that the storage medium is clampably arranged in the receptacle area between the spring element and the opposing element.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation of PCT Application No.PCT/DE00/01091 filed Apr. 6, 2000 published in the German language onNov. 2, 2000 the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to a device for holding disk-shaped storageelements, comprising a bottom shell and a top shell swingably connectedto the bottom shell, in which the storage element is fixed on an insertpart within a receptacle area.

[0003] Such devices are employed for example in the form of cassettesfor keeping “compact disks” or DVDs and are available in manifoldembodiments.

[0004] There are known receptacle containers with holding elements thatcan be equipped, depending on application, to fix one, two or threecompact disks. The fixation of the compact disks is effected chiefly inthe area of a central hole in the compact disk. It is likewise known,however, that there may be a lateral clamping in the area of an edge ofthe compact disk. In the case of fixation in the area of the centralhole, clamping elements are employed that are arranged along thecircumference of the central hole in a support area and are deflectedwith spring action towards a midpoint of the central hole and thenspring back to fix the compact disk.

[0005] A cassette having an unlocking key arranged in the area of acorner is described in EP-OS 0,671,743. The unlocking key is molded ontoan inlay part for the bottom shell by way of a relatively thinconnecting piece. In response to a pressure on the unlocking key, thelatter is swung relative to the inlay part and releases both the topshell of the cassette and an edge of the compact disk. With unlockingkey depressed, therefore, the lid of the cassette can be opened and thecompact disk removed. In the area of a central hole in the compact disk,an inner edge area is guided along a catch means surmounting the edge.As a result, in a locked positioning, the compact disk is securedagainst forces acting transverse to the support area.

[0006] WO 93/12,993 discloses another cassette having an unlocking key.The unlocking key is likewise arranged in a corner area. In thisembodiment, however, the unlocking key serves exclusively for lockingand unlocking the bottom shell and top shell. No contact with thecompact disk is provided.

[0007] WO 93/01,598 describes a cassette for keeping compact disks inwhich, in the area of a central holding element provided to engage thecentral hole in the compact disk, an unlocking knob is arranged. Theunlocking knob is spring-loaded, and when depressed leads to a swing ofcatch elements surmounting the inner edge of the compact disk in alocked position. After a release of the knob, it returns by springaction into the original position, and positions the catch elements inthe locking position again. Upon insertion of the compact disk, enteringbevels automatically effect an evading motion of the catch elements, sothat they can fix the compact disk without actuation of the knob.

[0008] Other possibilities for using key-like locking elements aredisclosed in DE 197 02 667.2. In particular, this printed sourceanticipates an arrangement of the locking key in a central edge area ofa compact disk cassette.

[0009] The known devices having unlocking means fall short of satisfyingall requirements as to economical production, high dependability, simplehandling and great operating flexibility in later applications.

[0010] Specifically, when using the known devices, a user finds itunacceptable that a comparatively large force is required to remove thedisk-shaped storage element from the cassette, since the holdingelements used, even in opened condition of the cassette, exertcomparatively large holding forces. Furthermore, it is often founddisadvantageous that when compact disks are held in the area of theircentral hole by application of tensile or compressive forces, adeflection of the insert part takes place.

[0011] The object of the present invention, then, is to so design adevice of the kind mentioned in the preamble that its handling isimproved.

[0012] This object is accomplished, according to the invention, in thatthe spring element is arranged in the area of an outer edge of thereceptacle area and in that, with a distance from the spring elementalong another portion of the outer edge of a receptacle area, at leastone opposing element is so arranged that the storage element can bearranged clampable between the spring element and the opposing elementin the receptacle area.

[0013] The arrangement of the spring element along an outer edge of thereceptacle area and hence along an outer edge of the disk-shaped storageelement to be held affords both a secure fixation of the storage elementwithin the device and a simple removal, requiring little force, of thestorage element from the opened device. Likewise, a renewed insertion ofthe storage element in the device is possible in simple manner withexertion of little force. Through the cooperation of the spring elementand the opposing element, the storage element is clamped in a radialdirection.

[0014] Improved possibilities for compensating tolerances on thediameter of the storage element are provided in that the opposingelement is of spring configuration.

[0015] A further enhancement of operating comfort may be achieved byarranging the opposing element in the area of an unlocking key.

[0016] A simple manufacturing production is favored in that theunlocking key is arranged movable relative to the insert part.

[0017] To provide a sufficient spring travel, it is proposed that thespring element be of stepped configuration.

[0018] A good spring action, with higher mechanical load capacity at thesame time, is achieved in that the spring element is of U-shapedconfiguration, at least in part.

[0019] Long service life is favored also in that the spring elementcomprises a U-shaped base configuration and a substantially rectilinearpressure contact log.

[0020] To aid a favorable introduction of forces, it is proposed thatthe U-shaped base, emanating from the insert part, at first extend in adirection away from the receptacle area.

[0021] An ergonomically favorable design is achieved in that theunlocking key is arranged in a central edge area of the insert part.

[0022] Consideration has also been given to arranging the unlocking keyoffset from a centerline of the insert part.

[0023] To utilize available space when round storage elements are heldon polygonal insert parts, it is proposed that the unlocking key bearranged in the area of a vertex of the insert part.

[0024] An automatic release of the storage element when actuating theunlocking key can be achieved in that the unlocking key, in common withat least one opposing element, is arranged movable relative to theinsert part.

[0025] A further improvement in operating convenience may be achieved inthat the unlocking key, when actuated, releases both the disk-shapedstorage element and the top shell.

[0026] An improved spring clamping of the storage element in the area ofthe insert part may be achieved in that, in an area of the insert partfacing the axis of swing, at least two spring elements are arranged at adistance relative to each other.

[0027] Likewise, it will contribute to a dependable holding of thestorage element if, in the area of the unlocking key, at least twoopposing elements are arranged.

[0028] Additional support of the storage element is achieved in that theinsert part, to support the disk-shaped storage element, comprises acentral element that rises above the reference surface.

[0029] For the sake of low structural weight, it is proposed that thecentral element be of annular configuration.

[0030] A fixation of the storage element transverse to the referencesurface may be aided in that the spring element comprises, at least inpart, a form oriented at an inclination to the reference surface.

[0031] An additional holding possibility consists in that the springelement is provided with at least one catch projection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In the drawing, examples of embodiments of the invention areschematically shown. Specifically,

[0033]FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a cassette in an open position andhaving a compact disk and an unlocking key with the spring elementsbeing configured as parts of an insert part in accordance with thepresent invention,

[0034]FIG. 2 is a section view of an insert part positioned within thebottom shell of the cassette of FIG. 1,

[0035]FIG. 3 is a fragmentary elevational view of a bottom shell of FIG.1 showing an insert part and unlocking key,

[0036]FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-section view the section being takenalong line IV-IV of FIG. 3,

[0037]FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-section view, the section beingtaken along line V-V of FIG. 4,

[0038]FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view of another embodiment similar to thatshown in FIGS. 1-5, but having a modified unlocking key in accordancewith the present invention,

[0039]FIG. 7 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 but showing anotherembodiment having an unlocking key arranged in a corner area of thedevice in accordance with the present invention,

[0040]FIG. 8 is a view similar to that of FIG. 6 but showing a furthermodified embodiment having an altered unlocking key in accordance withthe present invention, and

[0041]FIG. 9 is a view also similar to that of FIG. 6 but showinganother modified embodiment of a device comprising an unlocking keyarranged in a corner area all in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042]FIG. 1 shows the support of a compact disk 1 in the area of acentral hole 2 by a central element 3. The central element 3 is held bya plate-like insert part 4 and rises more or less cylindrically orannularly above a reference surface 5 defined by the insert part 4. Thecentral element 3 may be configured as a centering aid, determining apositioning of the compact disk 1 relative to the insert part 4 inradial direction only and possibly comprising an edge spaced from thecompact disk 1. Alternatively, however, it is possible to configure thecentral element 3 as a clamping element transmitting holding forces tothe compact disk 1, or alternatively to provide a support for thecompact disk 1 transverse to reference surface 5.

[0043] In FIG. 1, it may also be seen that the compact disk 1 iscontained in a cassette 8 comprising a bottom shell 9 and a top shell10. Into the bottom shell 9, the insert part 4 is inlaid. The insertpart may alternatively be provided to hold a plurality of compact disksas well. In that case, preferably a swingable arrangement of the insertpart 4 is adopted.

[0044] The bottom shell 9 comprises an edge web 11 elevated above thereference surface 5, in the area of which a swing articulation 12 isarranged to permit rotary motions between the top shell 10 and thebottom shell 9. The swing articulation 12 may for example be configuredof pins and matching holes.

[0045] In an intermediate edge area of the bottom shell 9, an unlockingkey 13 is arranged, performing at least the function of a releasablelock between the insert part 4 and the compact disk 1. Additionally,consideration is given in particular, simultaneously with this functionof the unlocking key 13, to accomplish an action upon the top shell 10as well. It is likewise possible to provide an additional fixation ofthe compact disk 1 in the area of its outer edge 14 by means of theunlocking key 13.

[0046] In the embodiment represented in FIG. 1, consideration is givento configuring the insert part 4 in the area of the central hole 2 ofthe compact disk 1 substantially free from material. Only in a vicinityof the inner edge 15 of the compact disk 1, a supporting bracket 16 isprovided, on which the compact disk 1 rests in an area not intended fordata storage. In the embodiment shown, a distance is provided betweenthe inner edge 15 and the annular support bracket 16. Likewiseconceivably, however, a central element 3 may be employed that forexample does not clamp the compact disk 1 but merely performs acentering function.

[0047] To ensure an adequate fixation of the compact disk 1 within thecassette 8, according to FIG. 1, along the outer edge 14 at least onespring element 17 is arranged, which may be formed on the insert part 4.According to the embodiment in FIG. 1, the spring element 17 is arrangedin an area of the cassette 8 located opposed to the unlocking key 13.The spring element 17 may for example be configured in the form of atongue exerting a spring action on the compact disk 1.

[0048] In addition to the unlocking key 13, other spring elements may bearranged that elevate the top shell 10 transverse to the referencesurface 5 after release of the unlocking key 13. Preferred considerationis given to positioning at least one such spring element on either sideof the unlocking key 13. This arrangement is likewise preferably opposedto the swing articulation 12. However, it is likewise possible toposition one or more such spring elements between an edge 35 of thecassette 8 opposed to the swing articulation and the swing articulation12 itself.

[0049] In the cross-sectional representation of FIG. 2, it may be seenhow the spring elements 17 can be designed. In the embodiment shown, aspring element 17 is positioned both in the area of an extension of theinsert part 4 away from the unlocking key 13 and also as opposingelement in the area of the unlocking key 13. The spring element in thisembodiment consists of a U-shaped base 18 connected to the insert part 4and a pressure leg 19 supported by the base 18. To avoid too great adeflection of the spring element 17, it is possible to let the pressureleg 19 penetrate a recess 20 arranged in the insert part 4. An edge ofthe recess 20 here provides stops for the pressure angle 19. Inprinciple, however, conceivably the pressure leg 19 can be terminatedabove the insert part 4.

[0050] Between the two spring elements 17 shown in FIG. 2, a compactdisk 1 is clamped within a receptacle area 21 in a radial directionreferenced to the central hole 2. In principle, however, in addition tothis radial fixation, conceivably a fixation of the compact disk 1transverse to the reference surface could be achieved by an inclinedarrangement of the pressure leg 19 or by suitable catch projections.

[0051] In terms of production engineering, it proves expedient toarrange the U-shaped base 18 so that the U-shape starting from theinsert part 4 first extends in a direction away from the referencesurface 5 and then rounds into a direction facing the reference surface5. In this way, with comparatively compact design, high mechanical loadcapacity and good serviceability of the compact disk 1, good springproperties can be achieved by provision of centering surfaces.

[0052] From the representation in FIG. 3, it may be seen that theunlocking key 13 can be made in one piece as a portion of the insertpart 4. By providing suitable indentations or slots 25, the requisitemobility relative to the insert part 4 is obtained.

[0053] The cross-sectional representation in FIG. 4 further illustratesthe arrangement of spring elements 17 in the area of the unlocking key13. In particular, it may be seen that the spring elements 17 are madeintegral with the unlocking key 13, so that upon motion of the key 13, amotion of the spring element 17 is produced at the same time. Here themotion of the spring element 17 is such that upon actuation of theunlocking key 13, the spring pressure on the compact disk 1 is reducedso that a facilitated removal of the compact disk 1 is provided. Inaddition, it is possible, in the area of the unlocking key 13, toarrange catch projections for fixing the compact disk 1 in a directiontransverse to the reference surface 5.

[0054]FIG. 5 illustrates the arrangement of two spring elements 17 inthe area of the unlocking key 13. Here the arrangement is symmetricalrelative to a center-line of the unlocking key 13.

[0055] According to the embodiment in FIG. 6, the unlocking key 13 isarranged opposed to the swing articulation 12 and provided with anoperating trough 24. To permit use of rectangular accessories 23 ofstandard dimensions, the unlocking key 13, emanating from an edge 35 ofthe bottom shell 9 towards the swing articulation 12, is dimensionedrelatively small.

[0056] For further illustration of the geometry, the accessory element23 with edge 36 is shown dotted. The unlocking key 13 is so dimensionedthat it extends from the edge 35 as far as the edge 36 of the element.Optionally, the unlocking key 13 may be dimensioned somewhat narrower.

[0057] A distance 37 between the edge 36 of the element and the edge 35is determined by catch elements 38 formed on the top shell 10, andusable for a clamping connection between the top shell 10 and the bottomshell 9, or between the top shell 10 and the insert part 4 placed in thebottom shell 9. However, there are known embodiments in which the catchelements 38 are employed only for positioning the accessory element 23.Alternative to the rounded configuration of the catch elements as shown,these may also be of stepped configuration for positioning the accessoryelement, and for example run transverse to the edge 35 or at a distancefrom and parallel to the edge 35.

[0058] According to another embodiment, it is likewise possible that theunlocking key 13 is provided only for an arrest of the compact disk 1,and that upon actuation of the unlocking key 13, no action on the topshell 10 occurs. A locking of the top shell 10 relative to the bottomshell 9 may take place in this embodiment for example with the aid ofbutton-like thickenings arranged in an edge area of the top shell 10 orof the bottom shell 9, capable of engaging depressions correspondinglyarranged in the respective other member.

[0059]FIG. 7 shows an embodiment in which the unlocking key 13 isarranged in a corner area of the cassette 8. Here again, considerationis given to positioning one of the spring elements 17 in a vicinity ofthe unlocking key 13.

[0060]FIG. 8 shows another modified arrangement of an unlocking key 13.In this modification, no direct action of the unlocking key 13 on thecompact disk is provided. Another comparable modification is shown inFIG. 9. Here the unlocking key is positioned in the area of a corner ofthe cassette 8.

[0061] If only two elements are employed for fixation of the disk-shapedstorage element, for example a spring element 17 and a rigid opposingelement, or two spring elements 17, then these elements are positionedto ensure optimal transmission of forces to elements mutually opposedwith respect to the central hole 2 of the compact disk 1, or withrespect to the central element 3. When using a greater number of suchelements, the respective arrangement in circumferential directionensures that the resulting lines of action coincide. In therepresentation of FIG. 7, therefore, the two spring elements 17 shownare positioned symmetrically relative to a sketched centerline of theunlocking key 13. In the arrangement of FIG. 1, with four springelements 17 and at least one opposing element in the area of theunlocking key 13 there is likewise a corresponding symmetricalarrangement.

[0062] The respective preassignment of the spring travels availabletakes account of the tolerances on the dimensions of the disk-shapedstorage elements for production purposes. These tolerances can becompensated by a sufficiently long spring travel.

1. A device for holding disk-shaped storage elements comprising a bottomshell and a top shell swingably connected to the bottom shell, a storageelement fixed on a support element within a receptacle area defined byone of said top shell and said bottom shell, characterized in that aspring element (17) is arranged in the area of an outer edge of thereceptacle area (21) and in that, at a distance from the spring element(17) along a further portion of the outer edge of the receptacle area,at least one opposing element is so arranged that the storage element isarranged between the spring element (17) and the opposing element in thevicinity of the receptacle area (21).
 2. A device according to claim 1,characterized in that the opposing element is of spring configuration.3. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the opposingelement is arranged in the area of an unlocking key (13).
 4. A deviceaccording to claim 3, characterized in that the unlocking key (13) isarranged movable relative to an insert part (4) positioned within saidreceptacle area.
 5. A device according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe spring element (17) is of stepped configuration.
 6. A deviceaccording to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element (17) atleast in part is of U-shaped conformation.
 7. A device according toclaim 1, characterized in that the spring element (17) is formed of aU-shaped base (18) and an essentially rectilinear contact pressure leg(19).
 8. A device according to claim 4, characterized in that theU-shaped base (18) emanating from the insert part (4) extends at firstin a direction away from the receptacle area (21).
 9. A device accordingto claim 4, characterized in that the unlocking key (13) is arranged ina central edge region of the insert part (4).
 10. A device according toclaims 4, characterized in that the unlocking key (13) is arrangedoffset from a centerline of the insert part (4).
 11. A device accordingto claim 4, characterized in that the unlocking key (13) is arranged inthe area of a vertex of the insert part (4).
 12. A device according toclaim 4, characterized in that the unlocking key (13), in common with atleast one opposing element, is arranged movable relative to the insertpart (4).
 13. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that theunlocking key (13) upon actuation releases both the disk-shaped storageelement and the top shell (10).
 14. A device according to claim 4,characterized in that, in a portion of the insert part (4) facing theaxis of swing, at least two spring elements (17) are arranged at adistance relative to each other.
 15. A device according to claim 3,characterized in that, in the area of the unlocking key (13), at leasttwo opposing elements are arranged.
 16. A device according to claim 4,characterized in that the insert part (4), to support the disk-shapedstorage element, comprises a central element (3) elevated above thereference surface (5).
 17. A device according to claim 16, characterizedin that the central element (3) is of annular configuration.
 18. Adevice according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element(17), at least in part, comprises a portion oriented at an inclinationto the reference surface (5).
 19. A device according to claim 1,characterized in that the spring element (17) is provided with at leastone catch projection.